Hair cutters

ABSTRACT

A plurality of improved hair cutters are shown of the type in which a blade carrier supports a double-edged blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward one set of apexes and toward the other set of apexes formed by a partially or fully enclosing cage made up of a plurality of elements of substantially identical shape and small crosssection. In order to avoid risks incident in changing blades, structure is provided for relatively longitudinal movement of a whole of either the blade carrier or the cage. This provision of relative longitudinal movement of the blade and the cage preferably can occur only when the blade carrier supports the blade in a predetermined position between the oppositely disposed apexes. In that predetermined position, the sharp edges of the blade are shielded in manner such that accidental cutting or other injury will be avoided. In another preferred embodiment the blade cage is slidable to an extended position without detachment whereby the blade may be unobstructedly exposed for removal and replacement.

United States Patent [191 Spanel HAIR CUTTERS [76] Inventor: Abram N. Spanel, 344 Stockton St,

Princeton, NJ. 08540 [22] Filed: Mar. 13, 1974 [21] App]. No: 450,581

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser, No. 340,379, March 12, 1973, Pat. No. 3,855,696, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 321,343, Jan. 5, 1973, Pat. No, 3,855,695.

[52] US. Cl 30/30; 30/289 [51] Int. Cl B26b 21/12; B26b 21/40 [58] Field of Search 30/30, 31, 62-65,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,636,261 4/1953 Shaeffer 30/30 2,650,421 9/1953 Wietzel 30/30 2,731,717 1/1956 Spanel 30/31 3,289,295 12/1966 Tornvall 1. 30/30 3,358,367 12/1967 Bartley 30/30 3,613,233 10/1971 Lundell 30/30 3,754,325 8/1973 Tornvall 30/30 [451 May 27, 1975 Primary ExaminerAl Lawrence Smith Assistant Examiner-Gary L. Smith Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Steele & Petock {57] ABSTRACT A plurality of improved hair cutters are shown of the type in which a blade carrier supports a double-edged blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward one set of apexes and toward the other set of apexes formed by a partially or fully enclosing cage made up of a plurality of elements of sub stantially identical shape and small cross-section. In order to avoid risks incident in changing blades, structure is provided for relatively longitudinal movement of a whole of either the blade carrier or the cage. This provision of relative longitudinal movement of the blade and the cage preferably can occur only when the blade carrier supports the blade in a predetermined position between the oppositely disposed apexes. In that predetermined position, the sharp edges of the blade are shielded in manner such that accidental cutting or other injury will be avoided. In another preferred embodiment the blade cage is slidable to an extended position without detachment whereby the blade may be unobstructedly exposed for removal and replacement.

30 Claims, 34 Drawing Figures FMENTEU W 2 7 i975 SHEET UlUF 8 w u W. 5 5m N 2 PATENTED W27 i975 SHEET [NSF 8 PAIENI mama SHEET E 5 OF PATENTEB HAY 2 7 I975 SHEET 6 7 BF mi i n.

HAIR CUTTERS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of my earlier application Ser. No. 340,379, filed Mar. l2, I973, now Pat. No. 3,855,696 which is a continuation-in-part of an earlier application Ser. No. 32l,343 filed Jan. 5, 1973 both of which are entitled Improved Hair Cutters".

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to hair cutters for home and other uses, which may be safely used by men, women and children for hair cutting, grooming, and for either minimum for extensive trimming of the hair to suit the particular style desired.

In my copending application aforementioned Ser. No. 340,379 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,696, I disclosed structure for mounting of the cage and of the blade carrier for relative longitudinal movement as a whole of one of them relative to the other to expose the blade carrier for unobstructed removal therefrom and placement thereon of the blade.

2. Prior Art In my U.S. Pat. No. 2,73l,7l7, I have shown a number of different embodiments. The embodiment of FIGS. l-3 inclusive has proved to be the most satisfactory, though it left something to be desired as will be explained. Within a generally diamond-shaped curvilinear cage formed by a plurality of spaced wires and having a gap in one side, there was disposed a double-edge blade movable laterally along a plane which bisected oppositely disposed apexes. The angle-shape of the tines provided a desired spacing between the scalp and the selected position of the cutting edge of the blade adjacent one or the other apexes. The lateral adjustment was readily accomplished by a thumb wheel positioned near one end of the cage portion or on the handle portion. In order to change blades, a clamping element had to be moved relative to clamping studs and physically moved through the gap provided between the free ends of the tines on one side of the hair cutter. Then the blade had to be moved over the clamping post and similarly removed. The procedure had to be reversed with a new blade. During the needed replacement of blades, partly due to the needed high degree of sharpness required for efficient hair cutting, there was always danger of injury due to accidental contact with the cutting edges. Though there was shown in FIG. 6 an embodiment in which the cage could be removed as a whole from the device to expose the blade carrier, blade and clamping element, instead of achieving greater safety when changing the blade, the device was converted into one in which the blade was securely held and at the same time, unprotected in any way from accidental contact with one or the other of the cutting edges. Because of these dangers, the cutting device of FIG. 6 was not considered of adequate safety for commercial production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present improvement over the subjects matter of my copending application Ser. No. 340,379, there is disclosed preferred means by which the cage is longitudinally slidable to an extended position whereby the blade carrier and its blade may be unobstructedly exposed for removal of the blade without the cage being detached from the remainder of the structure.

In this improved embodiment, the several parts of the operating mechanism may remain held in accurate alignment by the frame and need not be separable as in the case where the blade carriage is longitudinally slidable to extend outwardly from the cage for blade changing.

The cage may be released from its blade cutting position and longitudinally moved to its extended blade changing position, where cantilever support is provided with respect to the hair cutter frame. Restraining means are provided to secure the cage in first its hair cutting position and secondly, in its blade changing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1-11 illustrate one form of the invention; more particularly,

FIG. I is a side elevation, partially in section of the embodiment in which the cage can only be removed when blade carrier is in a safety position and after operation of a safety device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1',

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the underside of the hair cutter showing the cage in its removed position and the blade carrier constrained to its safety position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of the thumbwheel having an arrow which in the safety position points in the direction of the blade carrier;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the underside of the thumbwheel of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the spring having a pair of detents which are disposed to engage serrations on the underside of the thumb-wheel of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view partly in section illustrating the operation of the safety device which in its illustrated position shows the cage unlatched for removal, which is possible only when the blade carrier is in its safety position;

FIG. 8 is a fractional perspective view of the driving gear, safety-disc and constraining member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation partly in section illustrating how upon release of the latch device from its operated position it is effective to constrain the blade carrier to its safety position with the cage removed; this Figure also illustrates the removal of the blade and blade clamp from the blade carrier;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the safety latching member together with its releasing knob;

FIG. 11 is a fractional perspective view showing the constraining member after movement from the safetydisc to a position between the teeth of the driving gear;

FIG. 12 is a fractional side elvation partly in section of the device of FIG. 1, but illustrating the structural changes needed for the placement of the release button on the opposite or upper side of the handle;

FIG. 13 is a partial side elevation partially in section illustrating the position of the parts upon operation of the safety or release button;

FIG. 14 is a partial side elevation, partially in section illustrating the positions of the parts upon release of the release button and the movement of the constraining member to engage the teeth of the driving gear to constrain the blade carrier in its safety position during removal and replacement of the blade;

FIGS. and 16 are fractional side elevations, partly in section illustrating a modified form of safety mecha nism in each of two of its positions;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a modified form of the invention in which the lateral driving mechanism for the blade carrier is bodily movable into the confines of the cage (FIG. with concomitant movement of the blade carrier outside of the cage for easy replacement of the blade;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken on the line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 19-19 of FIG. 17 and illustrates the longitudinal driving knob and the latch release in positions for longitudinal movement of the blade carrier;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of FIG. 17 with the blade carrier in its position outside the cage;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation of FIG. 20 showing the blade and blade clamp removed from the blade carrier;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of another modified form of the invention;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view of the hair cutter of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of selected parts of the hair cutter of FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation, partially in section, showing the embodiment in which the cage can be extended without detachment to expose the blade;

FIG. 26 is a partial view of the hair cutter of FIG. 25 showing the cage in its extended position with the blade clamp and blade removed from the blade carrier;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the underside of the hair cutter of FIG. 25 showing the cage in its extended position;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along lines 28-28 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation, partly in section, of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 25 where the cage is extendable but not removable;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of a portion of the hair cutter of FIG. 29 showing the cage in its extended position;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of the underside of the hair cutter of FIG. 29 showing the cage in its extended position;

FIG. 32 is a partial side elevation view showing a set of training protective runners;

FIG. 33 is an underside view of a hair cutter showing the runners of FIG. 32; and

FIG. 34 is an end view of a hair cutter showing the runners of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the drawings, the invention in one form has been shown as applied to the embodiment of FIGS. I-ll comprising the hair cutter 10 having a double-edged blade 11 held by clamping member 12 and posts 13 secured to a blade carrier 14. The blade carrier 14 is slidably supported on a flat plate member 16a which, as shown, is an extension of the bottom portion of handle 16. The sub-assembly so far described is enclosed within a cage 18 comprising a plurality of tines or elements of substantially identical shape, each of relatively small cross-sectional area and forming oppositely disposed apexes 18a and 18b as best shown in FIG. 2. Preferably each of said tines or elements is a wire which is round, curvilinear, of narrow rectangular, or triangular cross-section. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each tine or element 186 and the remaining tines or elements as a whole are of a generally diamond-shape formed by interconnected substantially equilateral triangles.

Each wire element or tine 18c, FIG. 2, has an intermediate midportion 18d disposed inwardly of the base portions of the oppositely disposed triangles to provide clearance for hair to move between the tines. Each intermediate portion 18d extends through channels or slots provided along the bottom of a cage carrier 20. By upsetting the metal partly around each midportion 18d the tine is securely held in fixed position. Clearance for hair to pass through the tines is also provided on the opposite side as by the inturned portions which terminate in free ends. To provide additional bracing and support for these free ends, they are embedded within a plate 22, preferably of transparent, plastic which extends the full length of the cage 18.

As more fully explained in my copending application Ser. No. 32l,343 now US. Pat. No. 3,855,695, the elements or tines of the cage 18 are so shaped as to provide a camming action or sidewise movement of the hair along a cutting edge of the blade. Thus, as best seen in FIGS. l-3, the apical or bight portions l8e lie in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The remainder of each of the tines of the cage 18 is slanted to provide the camming action on each sub-divided portion of hair in such manner as to prevent an unsightly chop or ugly ridged type of haircut, which easily happens unless the hair is first cammed in order to produce a tapered cut having a gradation substantially following the curvilinear configuration of the head. The straight portions 18c are provided for better control in the areas where a hair part is formed and along the neck and in the regions of the sideburns where normally a shorter cut is desired, often akin to shaving.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plate member 16a throughout its intermediate portion has a width sufficient to effectively shield both edges of the blade 11 when the blade is in a substantially centered position relative to plate member 160. Thus, in the position best shown in FIG. 2 the blade is in its shielded position, namely in a non-cutting position. Accordingly, if the cage be removed as shown in FIG. 3, it will be seen that the blade is fully shielded and cannot accidentally do injury to a person which would otherwise be the case.

In order to move the blade from its shielded position, a transport mechanism, similar to that in my earlier issued US Pat. No. 2,731,717, is utilized, but having significant differences. The blade carrier 14 in FIG. 1 has a convex curved surface 14a slidably engaging a concave curved surface of an extension of the upper plate 16b forming a part of the handle 16. The outer extremity of the bottom plate 16a of the handle 16 terminates in a T-shaped end 16k bent back upon itself to provide a guide channel for the outer extremity of the blade carrier 14. The blade carrier 14 at its opposite end terminates in a rack gear 14c which meshes with a driving gear 24. The driving gear 24 is secured to a stub shaft 26. Also secured to the stub shaft 26 is a thumbwheel or knob 28, the underside of which has a plurality of radial serrations, V-shaped notches 28b, best shown in FIG. 5, into which there extends, on opposite diametral portions of the wheel 28, the V-shaped detents 30a and 30b of the two arms of a spring member 30 the shape of which is best shown in FIG. 6. This spring 30 is suitably fastened as by riveting, as shown to the upper plate 16b of handle 16. The top of the thumb-wheel 28 has an arrow 280, FIG. 4, which, with the parts in the positions illustrated, points in a direction along the mid-longitudinal axis of the blade support 160, for purposes later to be explained.

As shown by a double-headed arrow 32, FIG. 1, the thumb-wheel 28 may be rotated either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction correspondingly to drive the gear 24 and through the rack Me, the blade carrier 14, to move the blade 11 from its protected position outwardly either to the right or to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, and into a selected cutting position. The arrow 28a is useful to indicate to a user that with the arrow in different selected angular positions desired reproducible cutting can be obtained as determined from previous experience with the cutter. Thus, with an edge of the blade 11 moved just outside the protected posi tion, trimming of hair at its greater length will be best achieved. As the cutting edge is moved nearer and nearer to the apex portions (tine-angles), the cutting will produce progressively graded and shorter hair. Dur to the separated tines of the cage which provide for passage of hair between them with minimum obstruction, there is little accumulation of cut hair within the cutter and the position of the cutting edges of the blade 11 can be observed at all times. Also, the cutter cuts equally well with either face of the cutter against the hair and thus, with a blade edge in any one of a great number of selected positions relative to its adjacent apex, substantially the same cutting action is provided regardless of whether the cutter is held in either the right or the left hand.

As already explained, for close cutting a blade edge will be moved to a position where it almost touches the adjacent inner surface of the apex portion (tine-angle). Another feature of my copending application Ser. No. 321,343 now US. Pat. No. 3,855,695 is here utilized for the purpose of preventing damaging nicking of blade edges by having one or more of the tines, as for example, tine 18]", FIG. 3, shorter than the remaining tines so that the blade will be stopped by engaging the inner surface of that tine without engaging any of the remaining tines. Alternatively, a suitable stop for the blade carrier may be provided to achieve this desirable purpose. Also, the blade may be stopped to prevent close cutting by one or both cutting edges; thus preventing overcutting during initial use of the cutter.

When it is desired to change blades, the release button 34 is pressed inwardly to the position shown in FIG. 7. This will release the latch formed by the upturned, or hook-shaped, end a of the cage carrier 20 from the depending latch member 35 carried by the latching element 36 made of spring steel or other resilient material. The end portion 36a of latching element 36 prevents release of the latch if the blade 11 is not in its shielded position. If it is in the shielded position then the narrow end portion 360 can be moved upwardly into the radial notch 37, FIG. 8, provided in the safety disc 38 secured to the stub shaft 26.

With the latch released, it is only necessary to engage the downturned end 20b with thumb or finger to move the cage from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 to the position shown in FIG. 3. With the parts now exposed, it becomes a simple matter, FIG. 9, to engage tab to move the blade clamp 12 to the left to release it from the slotted studs 13 and thence to remove the blade 11. Replacement is readily accomplished by dropping the blade over the studs 13 and then clamping it into position with the blade clamp 12 whose outer angularly disposed side walls provide adequate spring action to achieve this purpose, as best shown in FIG. 2.

While the cage is in its removed position, it will be noted that both hands will be required: one to hold the hair cutter, and the other to manipulate the blade clamping member 12. Thus. the release button 34 may be freed to drop to the position shown in FIG. 9. The blade carrier 14 in then constrained to its safety position by the descent of the end 360 of the latching member 36 into the space between the teeth of the driving gear 24 as shown in FIG. 11. This constraining feature effectively prevents rotation of that gear by the thumbwheel 28. Thus, the blade 11 during the time it is mounted on the blade support 14 is at all times in its shielded position. It is to be understood that the latching element 36 best shown in FIG. 10 is of spring metal and is suitably fastened, as riveted, to the lower member 16a of the handle 16. Due to its width, it is laterally rigid and resists twisting caused by any attempts to move the adjusting wheel 28. Thus, the safety means is effective in achieving its functions.

Returning now to FIG. 3, in order to replace the cage 18 to its cooperative relation with the blade 11 and its associated mechanism, it will be observed that the right-hand side of the cage carrying member 20 extends outwardly of the cage proper. This is for the purpose of providing visual aid for insertion of its inturned tracks provided by the inturned sides of the plate carrier 20 as best shown in FIG. 2, onto the downwardly and outwardly extending tracks l6e and 16f of the plate member 16a forming part of the handle 16. The track or guideways 16a and l6fof plate member 16a are formed by punching and shaping intermediate portions of that plate member.

As soon as the guideways mate, the cage as a whole is then smoothly slid into place and the rounded end of latching member 20a engages the inclined surface of the companion latching member 35 to raise the elemerit upwardly until the hook-shaped end 20a moves beyond the shoulder of the latching member 35. At this point it drops into place, FIG. 1, holding the parts securely in position and against any accidental dislodgement of the cage during use or in other handling of the cutter.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-1 1, the latching member 36 provides a downward bias to assure movement of its ends 360 into constraining engagement with the gear 24. In the embodiment now to be discussed, that member provides a bias against movement both above and below a neutral, intermediate position.

In order to place the release button 34 on the same side of the cutter as the thumb-wheel 28, the latching element 40, FIG. 12, is of generally the same configuration as shown in FIG. 10, but differs therefrom. As in FIG. 10, it is fastened as by riveting, at 41 to the bottom plate of the handle 16. But near the riveted end there is an upwardly extending inclined portion 40a, and then a flat portion extending out to its narrow end 40b which cooperates with the locking disc 38 and the gear 24 as in the preceding embodiments.

by providing a ridge 16d intermediate the length of the latching element 40, inward movement of the release button 34, FIG. 13, will cause the latching element 40 to lift the latch member 35 above the upturned end 20a of the cage carrier 20 to release it for withdrawal as explained in connection with FIGS. 1-1]. When the blade carrier 14 is in the unshielded position upward movement will be prevented as in the preceding embodiment by the disc 38. When in the shielded position end 40b enters notch 37 of disc 38 permitting release of the latch 35, 20a.

After removal of the cage 18, the button 34 is released and under the influence of the spring-bias of element 40, it moves upwardly and element 40b moves downwardly into meshing engagement with the driving gear 24, FIG. 14, so that the blade remains constrained to its shielded position upon removal of the cage.

Upon return of cage 18 to the position shown in FIG. 12, the latching element 40 is returned to its initial latched position as illustrated in that Figure.

In embodiments now to be described, like reference characters have been applied to identify the same parts as in the preceding modifications.

Coming now to the embodiment of FIGS. an 16 is modified form of a safety mechanism is shown. In the structure shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a latching element 42 has its left end carrying the wedge-shaped latch 35. It is moved upwardly by movement to the left of a slider 44 the top surface of which is knurled for frictional engagement by the thumb. As shown in FIG. 15, the concave groove of the slider has disposed within it the convex portion 420 of element 42 which thus restrains the slider from accidental movement and requires a slight amount of force to move it to the left. As the slider 44 is moved to the left, an inclined surface thereof engages an inclined surface 42b of the latching element 42 to move it downwardly. It then pivots over a fulcrum 16d to lift the latch 35 to release the hooked end a of the cage carrier 20. When the foregoing occurs, the parts occupy the positions shown in FIG. 16. Thus, the latching element 35 is in its fully elevated position and the concave surface on the underside of the slider 44 now has within it the convex surface 42c of the latching element 42. Due to the spring bias on the slider 44, it is restrained from movement absent the application of force applied by thumb or finger to move slider 44 to the right as viewed in FIG. 16.

It is to be observed that the slider 44 has secured to it a constraining element 46 with a free end which is moved from the position in FIG. 15 to the position in FIG. 16. In the latter position the end of the constraining element 46 extends between the teeth of the driving gear 24 so that the knob 28 cannot be turned, whenever the slider 44 is in the position shown in FIG. 16. As in the preceding embodiments, the serrations or radial grooves 28b form the indexing means for the knob 28, as shown in FIG. 5. Two of them, 28c, 28c, diametrically disposed, have grooves much deeper than the remainder of the grooves thus to signal the operator of the fact knob 28 is in the mid-portion, with the blade 11 in its safety position. The arrow, FIG. 4, then points in directions to coincide with the central longitudinal axis of the supporting member 16a for the blade carrier 14.

When the cage is returned to its enclosing position, the knob or thumb-wheel 28 may not be moved until the slider 44 has been returned to the position shown in FIG. 15. In this latter position the latch 35 has moved downwardly to engage its companion member 20a to latch the cage in position.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 17-21, blade changing is accomplished with increased safety and with the movement of the blade carrier 14 and blade 11 outwardly of the cage by a slider 52 provided in the handle portion of the hair cutter 10, FIG. 17. The outward movement of blade carrier 14 and blade 11 from the cage can only be accomplished when the blade occupies its shielded position on supporting member 50. The safety means for accomplishing this objective differs from those in the preceding embodiments. These means will now be described in detail. Within the handle 16 there is slidably mounted an extension 500 of a supporting member 50. This member 50 is provided at its outer end with a T-shaped end 50b which forms a transverse guideway within which there is slidably mounted one end of the blade carrier 14. The member 50 has an intermediate portion bent back upon itself and terminating in a downwardly concave portion 500 forming a rounded guideway for the convex portion 140, FIG. 21, of the blade carrier 14 which, as in the preceding modifications, terminates in a rack gear 14c, FIG. 17, with which there meshes the driving gear 24, FIG. 21, driven by the knob 28.

The supporting member 160, FIG. 18, has a fixed post or bearing member 54, one end of which has a round flange nesting within a channel 50f extending lengthwise of the supporting member 50. The round midportion of bearing member 54 extends through a narrow slot provided in member 50 coextensive with channel 50f. The post or bearing member 54 terminates in a flat head which is received in a widened portion of channel 50f. The round portion of post 54 then extends through an opening in supporting member and terminates in a threaded end to which a nut is attached or it may be secured in fixed position by other means such as by riveting. Thus, the member 50 is mounted for sliding movement relative to frame member 16a.

In order to move the slidable supporting member 50 and its associated component parts from the positions shown in FIG. 17, to the positions shown in FIG. 20, a slider 52 extending upwardly through an elongated slot 16m in the handle 16 which when pressed downwardly releases the latch 53, as shown in FIG. 19. Thus, the extension 50a of member 50 is flexible enough to permit the deflection downwardly. A member 50g which forms a fulcrum for the extension 50a may be a part of the supporting member 50 and the other portion 500 may be a second member as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. As shown, the slider extension 50g is a part of the supporting member 50 and the slider 52 is secured to the U-shaped end 50h as by a riveting, brazing or other suitable means. The indexing spring 30 for thumbwheel 28, FIG. 21, is likewise secured to the assembly at the location of the U-shaped end 50h and serves the purpose as in the preceding embodiments for its cooperation with the serrations of the knob to provide the indexing means. Preferably, the deeper diametral slots 28c (FIG. 5) are likewise utilized as further indications of the shielded position of the blade 11 with reference to its supporting member 50. As best shown in FIG. 20, the supporting member 50 has a width sufficient to effectively shield both edges of blade 11 when the latter is in a substantially centered position relative to 50.

As soon as the latch 53 is released, the slider 52 may be pushed to the left, a narrow longitudinal slot 16m in handle member 16b being provided for a narrow shoulder on slider 52. The slider 52 can be moved to the left, only when the arrow shown in FIG. 17 points outwardly along the longitudinal axis of the blade assembly. This safety means accomplishes the stated objective by reason of the subdivision of the downwardly concave guides, one of them, 16g, being on one side of knob 28 and the other, 16h, on the opposite side. Both of the ways forming guiding surfaces 163 and 16h are formed from the supporting member 16b of the handle.

If the knob 28 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction away from the safety position shown in FIG. 17, the gear rack 14c and the blade carrier and associated blade will move upwardly or downwardly toward the upper or lower row of bights respectively. As this movement occurs, the upwardly convex portion 14a of the carrier 14, FIG. 21, moves into sliding engagement along the downwardly convex portion of 16g or, 16h respectively. Such engagement then prevents any longitudinal outward movement of the assembly by attempts to operate the slider 52.

With the parts centered, however, as shown in FIG. 17, then upon releasing the latch 53, the supporting member 50 can be moved to the left until the blade 11 is fully exposed. At this time, the tab 120 may be used to move the blade clamp 12 to the left until its larger openings register with the posts or studs 13 for removal of the clamping blade and then the blade itself for changing blades, the parts thereupon being in the positions shown in FIG. 21.

When the slider 52 is in its left-hand position, FIGS. 20 and 21, the latching element of extension 500 then registers with a notch 53c to hold the parts in the extended position. This is a further protective feature in that when the blade clamp is being released longitudinal movement of the assembly as a whole is prevented thus decreasing danger of accidental injury by reason of the sharp edges of the blade.

After the blade has been changed and the blade clamp 12 returned to its clamping position, the slider 52 is again pressed downwardly to release its engagement with the latching recess 53c and thence moved along the length of the handle from the position of FIG. 20 to the position of FIG. 17. The latch 53 is again engaged and the hair cutter is then ready for use with the new blade.

Inasmuch as the protective features earlier realized have been provided by reason of the fact that the blade changing now takes place outside of the cage, it will be seen that the cage 18 itself may fully enclose the blade and its associated assembly as clearly shown in FIG. 18. The individual wires, tines, or elongated elements comprising each element of the cage may be formed singly and each shaped to conform with the desired pattern for the haircamming actions earlier described and so illustrated in FIGS. 17, 20 and 21 or the elements may be continuous with crossovers taking place in the region of the mounting plate and the grooves.

In a further embodiment of the hair cutter, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-24, there are utilized a number of the features earlier described in the preceding embodiments. Instead of longitudinally moving the complete driving mechanism for lateral movement of the blade 11 as in FIGS. 17-21, in the embodiment of FIGS. 22-24 the adjusting knob or thumb-wheel 28 has its stub 26 rotatably carried by the bottom member of the frame forming the handle portion 16 of the hair cutter while only the remaining portion of the lateral driving mechanism is moved longitudinally. As will be explained, the rack gear 61b separates from the driving gear 24 when the blade carrier is longitudinally moved to an exposed position outside of the cage 18.

The cage 18 is mounted on, or carried by, the stationary extension of the bottom portion 16a of the handle 16 as in the embodiment of FIGS. l72l. The driving gear 24 is secured to stub shaft 26 intermediate its ends to provide space above and below it respectively for the upper arm 60a and the lower arm 60d of the U-shaped member 60 to which the slider 52 is secured. The upper arm 600 has an elongated slot 60b through which extends the portion of stub shaft 26 above gear 24. The arm 60a terminates in the curvilinear guideway 600. This forms one portion of the guideway for the blade carrier 61, the other curvilinear portion 610 being formed from the end portion of the blade carrier 6l which terminates in the rack gear 61b. The lower arm 60d of U-shaped member 60 also has an elongated slot 60c through which extends the portion of stub shaft 26 below gear 24. An extension of the lower arm 60d forms the support for the blade carrier 61 and terminates in a T-shaped end 60f corresponding in shape and function to the corresponding Tshaped end or guideway 50b of the modification of FIGS. 17-21.

To change blades, the slider 52 is pressed downward to release latching element 53 and is then moved to the left from the position shown in FIG. 23 to the position shown in FIG. 22. It should be noted that such movement cannot occur unless the arrow 28a be pointing in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cage which indicates that the blade 11 is in its substantially centered position on the support 60d, in which position the support has a width sufficient to effectively shield both edges of blade 11 to prevent accidental contact and resultant injury. The longitudinal movement of the slider 52 moves with it the U-shaped member 60. The upper and lower slots form guides by the contact of their side walls with the stub shaft 26. The curvilinear guideways 61a and 60c in combination with bearing surfaces 163 and 16h prevent movement of the blade carrier and blade unless the blade is in its shielded position, as in the preceding embodiments. With the initial longitudinal outward movement of blade support 60d, the rack gear 61b disengages itself from the driving gear 24. Thus, the blade 11 is constrained by friction to its shielded position on blade support 60d during the time it is exposed for blade-changing purposes.

With the blade and carrier outside the cage, bladechanging is accomplished as earlier described in connection with the preceding embodiments.

To return the assembly to hair-cutting positions within the cage 18, the slider 52 is pressed downwardly to release latching member 53 and is then moved to the right. Since the teeth of the engaging gears are pointed, meshing of the rack gear 61b with the driving gear 24 is automatically accomplished.

Normally there is adequate friction in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-24 provided by the arm members 60a and 60d to make unnecessary the need of a latch to hold the assembly in the hair-cutting position. If desired, and as shown in FIG. 24, there may be provided notches 53c, 53c cooperating with a detent which provides additional restraint against longitudinal movement of the components which move inwardly and outwardly of the cage.

With respect to FIGS. 25, 26, 27 and 28, a hair cutter similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is shown. It will be noted, however, that in place of the upturned or hooked-shaped end a, of FIG. 1 a depressed latching surface 20d of the cage carrier 20 is shown engaging depending latch member 35. When release button 34 is depressed, latch member 35 will release latching surface 20d to permit the cage carrier 20 to be slid to the left by means of readily accessible tab 20b to the position shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. As seen in FIG. 2, the carrier 20 has inturned tracks which engage downwardly and outwardly extending tracks 16e and 16f. When the cage 18 reaches this fully extended cantilever position where the tines are clear of the blade carrier 14 and its blade 11, the latching surface 20d, will engage latching element 16m of the blade support 16 to arrest the longitudinal relative movement of the cage 18 to blade support 16. This prevents the detachment of cage carrier 20 and cage 18 from the hair cutter. In this extended position, the blade clamp 12 may easily be unclamped to permit the removal and replacement of blade 11. It should be noted that FIG. 28 has been taken along the section lines 2828 of the underside view of the hair cutter in FIG. 27 and thus, is shown in an inverted position when compared to FIG. 25.

Once the blade has been changed, cage carrier 20 is slid to the right until latching surface 20d reengages latching member 35 to arrest the movement and secure the cage in hair cutting position.

It is to be understood that the same safety features as those shown in FIGS. 1 through 16 including the several latching, restraining and constraining means described relative to FIGS. 1 through 16 may be included in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. -28.

With respect to FIGS. 29-31, a modified embodiment is disclosed whereby the cage may once again be moved to an extended cantilever position to provide access to the blade carrier. As seen in FIG. 29, the hair cutter has a cage extension member 70 which serves a function similar to the support member 50 of FIG. 17. However, in FIG. 29'the cage 18 is extendable and not the blade carrier 14 as in FIG. 17. The cage extension member 70 terminates in a latching tip 70a at one end which engages latching recess 72 in the hair cutting position, and a widened reinforced support section 70b at the other end. A longitudinal screw slot 70c is cut into extension 70 and terminates in a widened portion 70d in the reinforced section 7012, the purpose for which will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 31, stub shaft 26 has a base 260 which is sliced diametrically along its longitudinal axis to form, in combination, with the slot structure, a constraining device. In the hair cutting position, as shown in FIG. 29 the base 26a extends downwardly through the widened portion 70d (FIG. 31) and it will be appreciated that by means of knob 28, the blade carrier 14 is adjustable laterally toward either of the time extremities as described for previous embodiments. When the blade carriers 14 is centered and the blade protected by shielding member 16a, the shaft base 26a has its diametrical cut aligned with a sidewall of slot 70c as seen in FIG. 31, and the extension member 70 may be slid to the left by depressing slider 52 to disengage latching tip 700 from latching recess 72. Aperture 71 in the handle 16 is of sufficient size to permit extension member to slide to the left without interference as slider 52 is manipulated. The cage will be secured in its extended cantilever position when the latching tip 70a engages latching recess 72a shown in FIG. 31. At this position, the tines 18 are clear of the blade carrier and the blade, the latter of which can then be easily removed for replacement purposes.

With respect to FIGS. 32-34, cage extension member 20 is shown terminating in grip members 20e and 20f which receive detachable friction slide member 73 which is welded or otherwise securely connected to a protective runner 74. A second such runner is shown secured to twisted friction slide member 76 that is detachably received within grips 20g, pressed out of member 20.

The purpose of the runners 74 is to provide a training aid for beginners in the use of the hair cutter. The runners are designed to pass through the hair during the stroking action of the cutter and serve to keep the cutting blade at approximately a angle with the hair/- scalp surface. This prevents the hair cutter from being turned by a novice to the degree that the blade will cut an unsightly deep swath into the hair.

In each of the several embodiments, the two elements 16a and 16b of the handle may be formed from sheet metal with one being rolled over the other as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 20. This provides strong mechanical structure for the handle and the hair cutter 10 as a whole. It is, of course, to be understood that the use of sheet metal is not essential to the invention since the parts can be made of any selected materials including rigid plastic molding compounds except, of course, for the blade 11 which should be of a good quality stainless steel of other hard material which will sustain and maintain sharp cutting edges. It is preferred that the elements of the cage be formed of stainless steel wire or equivalent.

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. The appended claims are, therefore, intended to define the true scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Hair cutter comprising:

a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming at least one row of apexes,

a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from said apexes,

a frame having two sections, one section being relatively slidable with respect to the other; one section supporting said cage and the other section supporting said blade carrier,

means for arresting relative movement of said two sections of said frame when said cage unobstructively exposes said blade carrier for removal and replacement thereof with blades and for arresting relative movement when said apexes are in position for lateral movement of said blade toward or away from said apexes.

2. The hair cutter of claim 1 further including means to prevent said relative sliding in all but one of the blade carriers lateral positions between said apexes.

3. The hair cutter of claim I further including a support for said blade carrier having a width sufficient to provide protection against accidental contact with at least one edge of the blade when said blade carrier is 13 in a substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.

4. The hair cutter of claim 3 further including means for preventing said relative sliding except when said blade carrier is in said substantially centered position.

5. The hair cutter of claim 4 wherein said frame includes a handle portion having an elongated slot and said means for said relative sliding includes:

a member extending from said cage into said handle portion approximately coextensive with said elongated slot, and

transport means extending through said elongated slot for movement along said slot to move said member and cage to unobstructively expose said blade.

6. A hair cutter comprising:

a cage made up of a plurality of elements,

a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from said plurality of elements,

driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and

means for moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said blade carrier including means adjustable from a first haircutting position to a contraining position for unobstructed removal and replacement of said blade.

7. The hair cutter of claim 6 including detent means for restraining said cage relative to said blade carrier in said haircutting and said exposed positions.

8. The hair cutter of claim 6 including means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said blade carrier. such latching preventing longitudinal movement in at least one direction of said cage relative to said blade carrier.

9. The hair cutter of claim 6 in which said blade carrier has a support which has a width sufficient to provide shielding against accidental contact with at least one edge of said blade said blade is in a substantially centered position relative to said support, including:

means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said blade carrier, said latching preventing longitudinal movement in at least one direction of said cage relative to said blade carrier.

10. The hair cutter of claim 9 including:

unlatching restraining means which prevents said unlatching except when said blade is substantially centered on said support.

11. The hair cutter of claim 10 including:

constraining means which prevents said blade carrier from moving away from said substantially centered position on said blade carrier support when said cage, relative to said blade carrier, is away from said haircutting position.

12. The hair cutter of claim 6 including:

a handle,

means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said handle, a first element of which is movable with said cage, and

a manually operable second element which engages said first element when said cage is in said haircutting position.

13. The hair cutter of claim 12 including a blade carrier support and restraining means for preventing unlatching of said latching means except when said blade carrier is substantially centered on said blade carrier support.

14. The hair cutter of claim 13 in which said handle is secured to said support for said blade carrier, and

said manually operable second element of said latching and unlatching means is carried by said handle.

15. The hair cutter of claim 13 in which blade carrier driving means includes driving and driven gears and said restraining means includes a first element which rotates with said driving means and has a notch. said second element of said latching and unlatching means having an extension which can enter said notch only when said blade carrier is in its said substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.

16. The hair cutter of claim 15 in which an extension of said manually operated second member interlockingly engages one of said gears to constrain lateral movement of said blade carrier during and after movement of said cage to a position exposing said blade carrier and blade.

17. A hair cutter comprising:

a cage made up of a plurality of elements,

a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions,

a frame supporting said blade carrier and said cage,

driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and

means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said frame to unobstructedly expose said blade for removal and replacement thereof said means including further means for securing said cage in a haircutting position and in an extended position to facilitate said removal and replacement of said blade.

18. The hair cutter of claim 17 further including a handle and wherein the means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said frame includes an extension member substantially coextensive with the length of said handle and further includes a manually operable element.

19. The hair cutter of claim 17 wherein said driving means engaging said blade carrier includes a second manually operable element.

20. The hair cutter of claim 19 wherein said second manually operable element includes a restraining means which prevents said first manually operable element from bodily moving said cage longitudinally except when said second manually operable element is in a particular position.

21. The hair cutter of claim 20 wherein said extension member has slot structure into which said second manually operable element extends.

22. The hair cutter of claim 21 in which said second manually operable element has a shaft with a flat thereon and said slot structure includes a widened portion whereby said second manually operable element can be rotated to permit lateral movement of said blade carriage, said slot structure also having a narrow portion in which said shaft with flat may be received only when said second manually operable element is in one position.

23. The hair cutter of claim 17 further including one or more detachable protective runners disposed adjacent said hair cutter cage and including means by which said detachable protective runners can be attached to said hair cutter.

24. Hair cutter comprising:

a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming op positely disposed apexes,

a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from each set of apexes,

a frame having two sections, one section being relatively slidable with respect to the other; one section supporting said cage and the other section supporting said blade carrier.

means for arresting relative movement of said two sections of said frame when said cage unobstructively exposes said blade carrier for removal and replacement thereof with blades.

25. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including means to prevent said relative sliding in all but one of the blade carriers lateral positions between said oppositely disposed apexesi 26. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including a support for said blade carrier having a width sufficient to provide protection against accidental contact with at least one edge of the blade when said blade carrier is in a substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.

27. The hair cutter of claim 26 further including means for preventing said relative sliding except when said blade carrier is in said substantially centered position.

28. The hair cutter of claim 27 wherein said frame includes a handle portion having an elongated slot and said means for said relative sliding includes:

a member extending from said cage into said handle portion approximately coextensive with said elongated slot, and

transport means extending through said elongated slot for movement along said slot to move said member and cage to unobstructedly expose said blade.

29. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including one or more detachable protective runners disposed adjacent said hair cutter cage and including means by which said detachable protective runners can be attached to said haircutter.

30. A hair cutter comprising:

a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming apexes',

a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement toward and away from said apexes;

driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and

means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said blade carrier including means adjustable from a first hair cutting position to a constraining position for unobstructed removal and replacement of said blade. 

1. Hair cutter comprising: a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming at least one row of apexes, a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from said apexes, a frame having two sections, one section being relatively slidable with respect to the other; one section supporting said cage and the other section supporting said blade carrier, means for arresting relative movement of said two sections of said frame when said cage unobstructively exposes said blade carrier for removal and replacement thereof with blades and for arresting relative movement when said apexes are in position for lateral movement of said blade toward or away from said apexes.
 2. The hair cutter of claim 1 further including means to prevent said relative sliding in all but one of the blade carrier''s lateral positions between said apexes.
 3. The hair cutter of claim 1 further including a support for said blade carrier having a width sufficient to provide protection against accidental contact with at least one edge of the blade when said blade carrier is in a substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.
 4. The hair cutter oF claim 3 further including means for preventing said relative sliding except when said blade carrier is in said substantially centered position.
 5. The hair cutter of claim 4 wherein said frame includes a handle portion having an elongated slot and said means for said relative sliding includes: a member extending from said cage into said handle portion approximately coextensive with said elongated slot, and transport means extending through said elongated slot for movement along said slot to move said member and cage to unobstructively expose said blade.
 6. A hair cutter comprising: a cage made up of a plurality of elements, a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from said plurality of elements, driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and means for moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said blade carrier including means adjustable from a first haircutting position to a contraining position for unobstructed removal and replacement of said blade.
 7. The hair cutter of claim 6 including detent means for restraining said cage relative to said blade carrier in said haircutting and said exposed positions.
 8. The hair cutter of claim 6 including means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said blade carrier, such latching preventing longitudinal movement in at least one direction of said cage relative to said blade carrier.
 9. The hair cutter of claim 6 in which said blade carrier has a support which has a width sufficient to provide shielding against accidental contact with at least one edge of said blade said blade is in a substantially centered position relative to said support, including: means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said blade carrier, said latching preventing longitudinal movement in at least one direction of said cage relative to said blade carrier.
 10. The hair cutter of claim 9 including: unlatching restraining means which prevents said unlatching except when said blade is substantially centered on said support.
 11. The hair cutter of claim 10 including: constraining means which prevents said blade carrier from moving away from said substantially centered position on said blade carrier support when said cage, relative to said blade carrier, is away from said haircutting position.
 12. The hair cutter of claim 6 including: a handle, means for latching and unlatching said cage relative to said handle, a first element of which is movable with said cage, and a manually operable second element which engages said first element when said cage is in said haircutting position.
 13. The hair cutter of claim 12 including a blade carrier support and restraining means for preventing unlatching of said latching means except when said blade carrier is substantially centered on said blade carrier support.
 14. The hair cutter of claim 13 in which said handle is secured to said support for said blade carrier, and said manually operable second element of said latching and unlatching means is carried by said handle.
 15. The hair cutter of claim 13 in which blade carrier driving means includes driving and driven gears and said restraining means includes a first element which rotates with said driving means and has a notch, said second element of said latching and unlatching means having an extension which can enter said notch only when said blade carrier is in its said substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.
 16. The hair cutter of claim 15 in which an extension of said manually operated second member interlockingly engages one of said gears to constrain lateral movement of said blade carrier during and after movement of said cage to a position exposing said blade carrier and blade.
 17. A hair cutter comprising: a cage made up of a plurality of elements, a blade carrier for supportiNg a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions, a frame supporting said blade carrier and said cage, driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said frame to unobstructedly expose said blade for removal and replacement thereof said means including further means for securing said cage in a haircutting position and in an extended position to facilitate said removal and replacement of said blade.
 18. The hair cutter of claim 17 further including a handle and wherein the means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said frame includes an extension member substantially coextensive with the length of said handle and further includes a manually operable element.
 19. The hair cutter of claim 17 wherein said driving means engaging said blade carrier includes a second manually operable element.
 20. The hair cutter of claim 19 wherein said second manually operable element includes a restraining means which prevents said first manually operable element from bodily moving said cage longitudinally except when said second manually operable element is in a particular position.
 21. The hair cutter of claim 20 wherein said extension member has slot structure into which said second manually operable element extends.
 22. The hair cutter of claim 21 in which said second manually operable element has a shaft with a flat thereon and said slot structure includes a widened portion whereby said second manually operable element can be rotated to permit lateral movement of said blade carriage, said slot structure also having a narrow portion in which said shaft with flat may be received only when said second manually operable element is in one position.
 23. The hair cutter of claim 17 further including one or more detachable protective runners disposed adjacent said hair cutter cage and including means by which said detachable protective runners can be attached to said hair cutter.
 24. Hair cutter comprising: a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming oppositely disposed apexes, a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement in either of two directions respectively toward and away from each set of apexes, a frame having two sections, one section being relatively slidable with respect to the other; one section supporting said cage and the other section supporting said blade carrier, means for arresting relative movement of said two sections of said frame when said cage unobstructively exposes said blade carrier for removal and replacement thereof with blades.
 25. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including means to prevent said relative sliding in all but one of the blade carrier''s lateral positions between said oppositely disposed apexes.
 26. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including a support for said blade carrier having a width sufficient to provide protection against accidental contact with at least one edge of the blade when said blade carrier is in a substantially centered position relative to said blade carrier support.
 27. The hair cutter of claim 26 further including means for preventing said relative sliding except when said blade carrier is in said substantially centered position.
 28. The hair cutter of claim 27 wherein said frame includes a handle portion having an elongated slot and said means for said relative sliding includes: a member extending from said cage into said handle portion approximately coextensive with said elongated slot, and transport means extending through said elongated slot for movement along said slot to move said member and cage to unobstructedly expose said blade.
 29. The hair cutter of claim 24 further including one or more detachable protective runners disposed adjacent said hair cutter cage and including means by which said detachable protective runners can be attached to said haircutter.
 30. A hair cuttEr comprising: a cage made up of a plurality of elements forming apexes; a blade carrier for supporting a blade for lateral movement toward and away from said apexes; driving means engaging said blade carrier for producing said lateral movement, and means for bodily moving said cage longitudinally with respect to said blade carrier including means adjustable from a first hair cutting position to a constraining position for unobstructed removal and replacement of said blade. 